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Reminiscences & Sketches 



OF 



Confederate Times 



By One Who Lived Through Them 






EDITED BY 

HARRIET POWE LYNCH 
Cheraw, S. C. 



Copyrighted, 1909 



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The R. L. Bryan Company 

Columbia, S. C. 

1909 



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PREFACE. 

In the first years of a joyous maahood my Father answered 
to the South's call to arms. 

For the sake of his dear Southland, he put behind him a life 
of ease, fraught with pixMnise of future usefofaiess, dignified 
and odarged by wealth and enriched by ties of affection, and 
unhesitatingly accepted the dangers and privations of a 
soldiers life. 

Those were the days when a Southerner loved his soil as 
he loved the home and family which it nourished — and would 
do battle for it with a fierce paternal instinct. This charac- 
teristic was peculiarly strong in my Father, so that evoi in 
his later life any long absoice from his native town filled hiTn 
with a homesick longing. 

A few words wiQ suffice to give the story of his life, for, 
excepting the four years of war, it was void of the great 
events, which go to make up a thrilling story. 

Like that of others of his countrymen, it was garlanded 
with fair flowers of promise in his youth, and crowned in early 
middle-age with the laurel and cypress wreath of noble 
oidurance. sustained under trials sordid and embittering. 

James Harrington Powe was bom m Cheraw, S. C, April 
11. 18-35. His Mother was Charlotte Harrington. CTand- 
daughter of Cren. Henry William Harrington, of Revolution- 
ary fame; his Father was Dr. Thomas E. Powe, a descendant 
of one of the first settlers of his native town and a planter of 
wealth and position. 

On his Fathers side he came of a family of physicians, and 
as the oldest hving son he was destined to carry forward the 
family tradition. It was not the profession of his choice, for 
his heart, toider as a woman's, bled at the sight of the suffer- 
rag that he was called upon to relieve. When later events 



4 Reminiscences and Sketches 

altered the course of his Hfe, he gave up active practice, 
though ever holding himself ready at the call of any poor 
soul who might need his aid. However, his education was to 
this end, except for a two-years' trial of West Point, the 
severe climate of which sent him back home injured in health. 
Returning to South Carolina, he graduated later, at the South 
Carolina University and the Charleston Medical School, and 
was settling down to a practice which his very large and 
influential family connections made lucrative, when the War 
Between the States changed the whole tenor of his life. 

At the first news of secession, he raised and drilled a com- 
pany, uniforming it at his own expense. His previous training 
at West Point and his position as Colonel on Governor Alston's 
Staff served to give him experience and interest in military 
aff*airs. Immediately after his company was sent out to join 
the volunteer troops, he received a commission from Governor 
Pickens as Second Lieutenant of Infantry. Of his life in 
camp and his later promotion as Captain of Company D, 
First Regular Regiment, South Carolina Infantry, one can 
read in his account of the Battle of Battery Wagner. 

From his Reminiscences one can also picture life in camp 
during the early days of the war — when brave young hearts 
beat high with hope and joy, before despair and povert}^ had 
killed all gladness and transformed hope into silent resigna- 
tion. Then there was music and song and romance. 

There is nothing like war and the hot breath of the cannon 
to flower a budding romance. And many a young maiden 
gave herself and the inspiration of her love to her ardent 
martial wooer, even while the shot and shell were singing his 
requiem amidst the reverberations of the wedding bells. 

It was during this time of stirring conflict and vivid 
emotions that my Father won the "maid with the raven 
locks," to whom he refers in his papers. Though he could 



OF Confederate Times. 5 

not know it then, this was the conquest which was to turn, for 
him, defeat into victory. 

When he returned from the battlefield permanently injured 
in health and with spirit crushed by the ruin of all his hopes, 
her tactful sympathy and unfaltering courage, her wise 
management and serene faith won him back to hope and life 
and endeavor. 

For thirty-five years they fought the battle of life together. 
Then, on August 1, 1898, the old soldier, whose bravery on 
the battlefield was but a forecast of the supreme bravery of 
a spirit which could emerge from the silent and dark places of 
life with unfailing Courage and exultant Faith, answered to 
his last roll-call. 

Niearly thirty years after the War Between the States, 
Camps of Confederate Veterans were formed all over the 
South. Their object was two- fold: first, to unite the veterans 
in a closer bond of fellowship; second, to collect original 
Confederate records for future historical use. 

Under the stimulus of this second idea, my Father wrote the 
Reminiscences chronicled here — partly at the request of the 
Kershaw Camp of Confederate Veterans, of Cheraw, and 
partly for the benefit of his children. 

As the headings of the context will show, he never designed 
them for the eyes of the public. 

I offer no apology that their style is not polished, nor their 
structure artistic. They were written as occasion demanded, 
or as some incident recalled them to memory. The stories 
that he told of the amusements, dangers, and privations of 
those stirring times were, many of them, familiar to his 
children, who oftentimes had heard them rehearsed by him 
and his friends, in the social winter evenings by the blazing 
oak-wood fires. 



6 Reminiscences and Sketches 

There are men today who are trying to analyze with 
unprejudiced minds the soul of the times which these papers 
cover. Any details which reflect them, though apparently 
trivial and unimportant, are of value in interpreting them. 
For this reason I am giving to the public these labors of my 
Father's leisure hours, which he intended only for the eyes of 
his descendants. 

HARRIET POWE LYNCH. 

Cheraw, S. C, October, 1909. 



OF Confederate Times. 



The Battle of Fort Sumter as I Saw It. 



A Paper Read Before Camp Kershaw, U. C. V., March, 1895. 



Brother Veterans. 

Many of us thought, at one time, that the North would not 
fight us. We now thought differently, for Major Anderson, 
whose command had occupied Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's 
Island, observant of passing events in South Carolina, 
removed at night to Fort Sumter; thereby showing that he 
would give battle if it were necessary. 

Another occurrence, also, convinced us that if Fort Sumter 
was gained it had to be done by fighting; for on the 9th of 
January, 1861, the "Star of the West," an unarmed man-of- 
war, essayed to run past our batteries for the purpose of 
reinforcing or provisioning Sumter. 

We met this aggressive act by throwing a shell in front 
of her bow, which convinced her that it was perilous to 
proceed, so she turned back and steamed off' to her comrades 
stationed four miles away off' Charleston Bar. Having 
joined them, they all sailed away for a time. 

We now thought that the battle of Fort Sumter would be 
the only battle, though why we thought so I cannot conceive. 
However, with this in my mind I immediately applied to 
Grovemor Pickens for a position in the Standing Army, and 
considered myself fortunate in getting one, as many of my 
comrades were eager for the fray. 

In January, 1861, I was ordered to my regiment, which 
was stationed on Sullivan's Island. 

Well do I recall the day that I left my dear home. My 
old Father accompanied me a portion of the way, and seemed 
deeply affected, for the impression in those times was that he 
who went to war went to certain death. 



8 Reminiscences and Sketches 

My regiment was the First Regiment, South Carohna 
Infantry, whose Colonel was Richard Anderson; Lieutenant- 
Colonel, Barnard E. Bee, and Major, John Dunovant. 

Charleston Harbor was a network of forts and batteries, 
constructed or being constructed. Below Fort Sumter and 
Sullivan's Island were rafts of timber so arranged as to 
entangle the enemy's vessels, and torpedoes were placed in 
great numbers. My regiment, though infantry, always 
acted as heavy artillery and manned the cannon at the forts, 
but was stationed at the famous Moultrie Hotel. 

The daily scene that presented itself to my eyes, and in 
which I was a participant, was indeed war-inspiring. We 
drilled our companies and vied with each other for the best 
drilled company in either artillery or infantry. The com- 
panies were composed of picked men, and presented a hand- 
some appearance, and their subsequent heroism showed the 
excellent material of which they were composed. Nor were 
our officers idle, for forts and batteries arose as if by magic 
on every prominent point on the islands in the approach to 
Charleston, but within the harbor, also. Steamers were kept 
busy day and night placing suitable armaments and ammuni- 
tion at these points. Everything now indicated battle. Our 
Tulers were in active correspondence, our Commissioners, who 
had been sent to Washington to arrive, if possible, at a 
peaceful solution of our difficulties, failed — and in April, 
1861, some half-dozen or more U. S. men-of-war made their 
appearance in Charleston Harbor. This last event served to 
kindle anew a war-like flame, and the fortifications every- 
where were made ready for battle. 

A few days prior to April 12th, Major N. S. Evans, chief 
of General Dunovant's staff, sent for me and said, "Lieu- 
tenant, we will soon have a battle, it may be the only one, 
would you like a place in the picture ; would you accept the 
position of Assistant Quartermaster General of South Caro- 



OF Confederate Times. 9 

lina, with the rank of Major, on General Dunovant's staff?" 
The reply was that the offer was gladly accepted. 

The night of the 11th, after an arduous day's work, I 
received instructions from General Dunovant, commanding 
Sullivan's Island, to proceed to Battery Beauregard and 
inform its commander that at 4 o'clock the next morning a 
shell would be fired from Fort Moultrie at Fort Sumter; this 
would be the signal to open fire on that fort. 

The next morning, the deep boom of a mortar broke the 
quiet of approaching day, and its screaming shell, making a 
detour of the channel, burst with loud report over Sumter's 
battlements. Fort Moultrie then opened, followed by Forts 
Wagner and Cumming's Point, on the opposite side of the 
harbor. Then Beauregard, East End Battery, Fort John- 
son, Castle Pinckney, Mt. Pleasant, Fort Ripley, and, last, 
but not least, Steaven's Iron Clad Battery, all followed in 
quick succession. But not a sign was visible, in the grim, 
dark fort, until sunrise. The United States flag was then 
run up in haughty defiance ; and from casemate to barbette, 
Sumter's guns sent shot and shell with deadly intent. 
Moultrie, Wagner, and all the others hurled their missies, 
also, with incessant and ever-increasing din and strength. 

The squadron, sent to succor Sumter, remained most quiet, 
attempting nothing. 

All day and night the battle's roar went on — at times most 
deafening. On the morning of the 13th, when Sumter's flag 
was still seen flying in bold defiance, our batteries threw their 
missiles of death with redoubled energy. Moultrie now 
began to hurl red-hot shot at Sumter; before long, it was 
plainly to be seen that an impression had been made, for 
smoke began to ascend above the battlements of the 
beleaguered fort. As the smoke arose, in ever increasing 
volume, it was plainly seen that Major Anderson was giving 
signals of distress to the ships sent to his aid. Some commo- 



10 Reminiscences and Sketches 

tion was visible among them, but no help came. When Major 
Anderson saw that he could hope for no aid, the white flag 
Avas run up. Our batteries ceased firing; for Sumter had 
fallen ! 

Forthwith, a fire brigade was sent to Sumter, and the fire 
extinguished. 

Arrangements were made by the commanding General with 
Major Anderson as to the surrender and evacuation of Sum- 
ter ; and magnanimous were the terms ! He and his command 
were allowed to take their private effects, to march out with 
side-arms, and to salute their flag. At his request, a steamer 
was furnished him to take himself and his troops to the fleet. 

During the battle, the flag-staff of Fort Sumter was shot 
away, but the flag was soon run up again; portions of this 
staff were made into canes and other mementoes of the battle. 

There were instances of great bravery among our men 
during the contest. Each man fought as if the result 
depended on him alone. Major Anderson was a brave man. 
He well knew that he could not hold out, unaided by the fleet ; 
but before the battle, when asked to surrender by the proper 
authorities, he declined, knowing that starvation would be the 
lot of his command if no succor was given him. I never 
thought that Major Anderson's heart was in this battle; he 
did all that he could, however, against fearful odds. 

The Confederates found, within Sumter's enclosure, an 
immense Dahlgren gun, that was placed at such an angle as 
to throw shell into Charleston, but when it was fired by Maj or 
Anderson's command, it burst at the first fire. 

Fort Sumter was occupied by the First Regiment of 
Regular South Carolina Artillery. It was never taken. In 
fact, Charleston, which was called "The Cradle of Rebellion," 
was never taken; though every effort was made to capture 
her. The most powerful naval armament known to civilized 
warfare was employed against her, but all proved unavailmg. 



OF Confederate Times. 



11 



During the two days' battle, no person was either killed 
or wounded. This was remarkable, for there were a great 
many people on the island, who exposed themselves unneces- 
sarily. It was a resort for Charlestonians, many of whom 
owned summer residences there. These, with others, would 
expose themselves to Sumter's fire; but the cannon-balls were 
nearly spent when they reached the beach, and were chased 
by the small boys, as they rolled along its firm surface. 

There was blood drawn, however, though not from a human 
being. The handsome bay horse used by me, in my duties as 
Quartermaster, was stable some distance in the rear of Fort 
Moultrie, and fell shot through from side to side. The 
cannon-ball embedded itself in the sand bank, in the rear of 
the stable ; and was kept by me as a momento of the battle. 

This battle, as well as subsequent ones, demonstrated the 
eflSciency of sand batteries. Forts constructed of other 
materials melted, as it were, before the enemy's guns, but sand 
batteries, never. They could, also, be easily and quickly 
repaired. 

Fort Sumter was a very formidable brick fort. It had 
three tiers of cannon. Those on top, or on the "Barbette," 
could be turned and trained on any object at any angle; 
below, there were two tiers of casemate guns. The monitors 
and ironclads battered this beautiful and strong fort to a 
mere mass of debris, but it was strengthened internally with 
bales of cotton and sandbags, and was made as strong as ever, 
though, of course, possessing fewer guns. It was^ never 
taken. Charleston Harbor was never entered by the enemy^ 
though every effort was made to conquer the city. 



A pecuhar craft took part in this battle. It is worthy some 
mention, as from it has been modeled such craft as have 
struck terror to the hearts of commanders of wooden vessels. 
I refer to the iron clads. 



12 Reminiscences and Sketches 

This particular craft was built like a huge square flat. It 
had one side inclined and extending up about ten feet ; 
through this side, near the floor, port holes were cut for the 
guns. The roof was covered with thick beams, over which 
bars of railroad iron were made secure. This covering was. 
oiled. The balls from Fort Sumter struck it and bounced off' 
as if they were rubber, inflicting no damage. 

Two ironclads were afterwards built in Charleston Harbor. 
These resembled large terrapin, and, having powerful rams 
in front, were the terror of all wooden men-of-war. 



OF Confederate Times. 13 

An Account of the Battle of Battery Wag'ner, Which 

TooK Place in Charleston Harbor, 

July 18th. 1863. 



A Paper Read Before Camp Kershaw, U. C. V,, February, 1894. 



Ladies and Gentlemen ; Brother Veterans. 

I was informed that at your last gathering you appointed 
me to write an account of the Battle of Battery Wagner. 
As there were a succession of battles between the Confederate 
and Union armies at that point, I take it that you had especial 
reference to the battle of the 18th of July, in which I partici- 
pated and which was regarded as the fiercest and greatest 
of them all. 

If I mistake not, it was fifty-eight days after this same 
battle before Wagner was evacuated, — occasioning thereby 
the giving up of Battery Gregg on Cumming's Point, a very 
formidable fort on Morris Island, opposite to and thirteen or 
fourteen hundred yards from. Fort Sumter. 

It is needless at this time to tell of the capture of the 
southern end of Morris Island, which took place on July 1 0th, 
and which meant to us a loss of men besides that of ten or 
twelve guns and several mortars. Suffice it to say, that the 
Union army was victorious under General Gilmore, and gained 
thereby three-fourths of Morris Island. 

Battery Wagner was situated on the northeast side of 
]\Iorris Island, facing and intended to command, the main ship 
channel entrance to C'harleston Harbor, as well as to defend 
the roadway between Sumter and ]\Ioultrie. Fort Wagner 
was opposite Battery Beauregard, on Sullivan's Island, which 
battery was several hundred yards above Fort Moultrie. I 
therefore consider Wagner about seven or eight miles from 
the city. 



14 Reminiscences and Sketches 

Wagiier was the fort from which on January 9, 1861, 
"The Star of the West" was fired on, in its attempt to succor 
Major Anderson while in command of Fort Sumter. The 
armament of Wagner on its sea face consisted of two ten-inch 
Columbiads, and on its land face of some twelve cannon and 
two eight-inch mortars. These cannon were 42 Navy's, 32 
and 24 pounders. Confronting these landward were Gil- 
more's Batteries. These consisted of forty-seven heavy and 
rifted cannon, with a battery of mortars — all of the most 
approved and best make that could be procured from any 
source. Seaward, Wagner had to contend with the blockad- 
ing fleet, composed of exceeding heavy ordnance; while the 
New Ironsides, an armored vessel of large proportions, had 
ten-inch rifted cannon, and the monitors had their eleven and 
fifteen-inch Columbiads. This has been regarded as the most 
formidable and powerful array of cannon known in previous 
history. So you may observe that the contrast as to calibre, 
or size of guns, was very great between the contending 
parties. 

I belonged to the First Regiment of S. C. Infantry, but 
never acted as infantry except for a few weeks, but rather 
as heavy artillery — our regiment manning all the forts and 
batteries on Sullivan's Island. My special command was two 
heavy ten-inch Columbiads at Battery Bee. This battery 
was, after Fort Moultrie, the most powerful on Sullivan's 
Island, and consisted of six very heavy guns. 

On the 15th of July, 1863, orders. came from the com- 
manding General, that a detachment of two companies from 
the First Regiment of Infantry should, under its Lieutenant- 
Colonel, Simkins, move over to Wagner early on the 16th, as 
reinforcements and to relieve the artillerists who had been 
there for some days. According to orders, we were trans- 
ported by steamer early next morning across the channel. As 



OF CONFEDEEATE TiMES. IS 

soon as possible after arrival, we were marched to Wagner 
and straightway relieved those at the cannon. 

The strength of Wagner as to soldiers was about 1,500, 
SOO being artillerists. 

The infantry were minutely instructed as to their duties 
in case of an assault, and then stationed in the boom-proof so 
as to be in readiness when needed, as well as to be out of 
harm's way, for the enemy were by no means niggardly with 
their favors — there being three or four hundred shot and 
shell thrown in and at Wagner on both the 16th and 17th 
instants. 

On the morning of the 18th, it was quite apparent that 
a different order of affairs was about to be inaugurated. The 
completed batteries of Gilmore evinced a desire for a warmer 
greeting than hitherto, and not by single cannon alone but 
by batteries. At a somewhat later period, say at 8: 15 a. m., 
the apparently small monitors, with their huge consort, the 
New Ironsides, steamed up nearer, the monitors coming within 
three hundred yards of Battery Wagner. As soon as in posi- 
tion, though not anchored, they began to belch forth what 
they thought would be desolation and destruction to our forti- 
fications ; but as well as I can recall they only dismounted one 
ten-inch Columbiad, the other replying with deliberation and 
effect. Nor were Sumter or Moultrie or Bee or Beauregard 
or Gregg idle in throwing their iron hail, but fired in their 
turn, not only by single guns but by batteries. 

The monitors were, however, not so roughly handled as 
they had been on the 7th of April previous, when the monitors 
and the Ironsides essayed to pass our batteries on the way to 
Charleston. On that occasion our batteries disabled two 
monitors so as to unfit them for immediate use, and sank the 
double-turreted monitor, Keokuk, whose guns were afterwards 
taken from the wreck at heavy expense and hardship, — our 
men working night and day within range of the enemy's shot. 



16 Reminiscences and Sketches 

The recovered guns were eleven-inch Columbiads, and were 
placed in our batteries and turned against the foe. 

Allow me at this point to digress from my original theme 
to say a few words about these monitors, as I fancy few have 
ever seen one or know what it looks like. Imagine, then, a 
board ten feet long sharpened to a point at each end, with 
a huge cheese box placed in the center and a battle-flag at 
one end. This cheese box, or turret, was revolved by machin- 
ery and contained the cannon, which were fired through port 
holes cut in its surface — everything else about it was below 
the water line. 

The smallness of this target, which seemed to the Con- 
federates, at a distance of one-third to one-half a mile, not 
more than eight or ten feet through, and the constant motion 
of the vessels back and forth, made it very difficult to get its 
range. But the commanders of these formidable craft mar- 
veled exceedingly at the great accuracy of the Confederate 
cannoneers. 

Rear Admiral DuPont, commanding the fleet, reported to the 
United States Secretary of the Navy, after the battle of April 
7th, that one monitor was hit ninety-six times and another 
ninety-two times. 

But I will now return to my original theme. 

The monitors, with their guns of eleven and fifteen-inch 
calibre, kept up their firing incessantly and with accuracy, but 
in this instance, though our fort of sand was placed on a 
sand foundation it did not fall but continued to defy them. 
The land batteries raked us with their withering fire continu- 
ously, and there seemed but few seconds that shell were not 
bursting in our fort or just above our heads. In fact, at 
times the smoke from these bursting demons was so dense that 
in exploding they looked like balls of fire at night. It was 
truly appalling. 



OF Confederate Times. 17 

My gun was very near the flagstaff and therefore came in 
for a considerable amount of attention. Shell repeatedly 
fell in front and in rear of the gun, keeping us covered with 
sand. The flag was repeatedly shot down, but no sooner done 
than some brave man or men would rush to replace it. 

About 1 p. m. Sergeant Williams of my command, 
reported, "Lieutenant, we are out of cartridges." I said, 
"Which of you will volunteer to go with me to the magazine?" 
Williams responded immediately. We had to pass a point 
where a continuous stream of shot and shell was pouring, but 
we accomplished our object and returned to our gun unhurt. 
I noticed on my return that, for the time being, there was 
no firing from the enemy's land guns. This seemed explained 
when one of my command said, "While you were gone to the 
magazine I ran down the fort to see how things stood with 
us, and, sir, every gun is either deserted or dismantled. 
Lieutenant, let us leave this place; we will certainly be 
killed." I replied, "When I leave this gun I will be either 
ordered or carried away." 

It was terrible beyond description. My command of six 
guns was reduced to three, and I had been acting as cannoneer 
as 'well as commander. Not only this, but we had been under 
the enemy's fire for two and a half days with but little to eat, 
and exposed to the drenching rains of the previous night, 
and one-half of my men had been killed. Could you then be 
surprised if somewhat of demoralization took place in the few 
men that were left to battle with an enemy of more than eight 
thousand in front, not to speak of those seaward? However, 
with our united strength we loaded the gun and ran her in 
battery. I mounted the gun and aimed it, as was my wont, 
jumped off" and gave the command, "Fire." No sooner had 
our shell burst in their midst than it seemed as if a hornet's 
nest had emptied itself, and a terrific cannonade was con- 
centrated on this one gun. Then there was a pause, the 



18 Reminiscences and Sketches 

enemy thinking they had silenced us, ceased firing ; when again 
our 42-pounder defied them, showing them that we were still 
in the land of the living and had no thought of giving up. 
Then in answer came another terrific fusilade of iron hail and 
bursting shell. During this time some of our cannon which 
had been injured were put in order but not manned, or at 
least I could hear no report from the guns. 
Such a tempest, such a terrible cannonade could not con- 
tinue much longer without further injury to ourselves, so, as 
I was aiming my gun (3: 30 p. m.) there came a shell which 
gave me my quietus and I was thrown some way in the reap 
of my gun. I was taken into the boom-proof and received 
what treatment could be given me. But, with only a few 
minutes' exception, I was unconscious till next morning, when 
I found myself on a stretcher in Charleston, being conveyed 
to the hospital. 

Now, my friends, having been shot down in the middle of 
the afternoon I can relate nothing more from observation, 
but, to the best of my ability, I have brought you through a 
part of the battle regarded as one of the fiercest bombard- 
ments of the war. For it is thought that more than nine 
thousand shot and shell were thrown into or at Wagner on 
that occasion. 

If you are not tired, I will ask you to let me read to you 
the report of General Taliaferro, who was in command, which 
will bring you to the close and give you the result of the 
engagement which took place on that memorable 18th of 
July, 1863. 

(This report in brief, stated that the Confederate Army of 
1,500 had contended with a fore of more than 8,000; with the 
result, on the Confederate side, of 28 killed and 170 wounded, 
and on the Union side, of more than 2,000 killed, wounded, 
and prisoners.) 



OF Confederate Times. 19 

■ There is one short episode of this period I would relate, and 
then I am done. This has reference to the devotion and 
kindly feeling existing between master and servant during 
those troublous times. 

On the 10th of July previous to the battle which I have 
been describing, a battle was fought between the two forces, 
in which the Union troops were victorious and gained a strong 
foothold on Morris Island. Feeling sure that this was the 
beginning of the long-expected conflict in Charleston Harbor, 
the officers of my regiment who had their families with them 
decided to send them off* to safer quarters. 

I had with me a very faithful and efficient servant in whose 
charge I placed my wife and child, sending them to Mt. 
Pleasant across the bridge, thence to Charleston by steamer, 
and so home by rail. 

On the morning of the 16th when my command was en 
route to Morris Island I saw my servant on the steamboat. 
He had been quite sick. I told him not to accompany me, 
but to return to his quarters and take care of himself. He 
left me, as I thought, but had really hidden himself. The 
first person that I saw on reaching Morris Island was this 
same man. Of course he could not be sent back. He served 
me in every way that he could during the 16th and 17th. 

Very early on the 18th, the officers, seeing how affairs were 
tending as to the enemy, called their servants and sent them 
off by steamer to Charleston. I told mine to go also. He 
positively refused to leave me. He took up a position in the 
boom-proof, where he could see me, and there remained. 

When I was shot and thrown off into the parade, he saw me 
fall and urged one of my own soldiers to go for me. This 
soldier lost his life in the attempt; another succeeded, and 
with the aid of my sei-vant, carried me into the dead room. 
He then searched around until he found one of the busy 
surgeons, who after examining me closely, pronounced me 



20 Reminiscences and Sketches 

dead and left me, to attend to the many wounded. My man 
begged him for some stimulant with which to work over me. 
He gave him a bottle of spirits and a paper of cayenne 
pepper. I had on only one sleeve of my coat, and my 
trousers, the rest of my clothing having been torn off me 
by a shell. He rid me of this clothing, wetting me with 
the spirits and sprinkling the pepper. After rubbing me 
seven and a half hours I began to show signs of life. At 
dawn the next morning he and a soldier had me on a 
stretcher, conveying me to the steamboat landing. When 
half-way down, the soldier refused to go any farther, for it 
was dangerous in the extreme, so this faithful man carried me 
alone on his shoulders. 

Several days after, when on my way home, I asked him 
why he would not go with the other servants on the 18th. He 
said, "Marse, when I carried Miss Josie (my wife) over to 
Charleston on the 10th, she told me not to leave you and if 
you were killed to bring your body to her ; that was the reason 
I would not leave you." 

This man was well known to you all ; his name was Madison 
Levy. 

This is for the Eyes of My Children and KinfolKs. 

At 10 : 30 p. m., when lying in the boom-proof on the floor, 
I came to consciousness for a short time. As I opened my 
eyes I saw standing near me in a half-circle, Colonel Simkins, 
Captain Tatom, Leutenant Wardlaw, and Lieutenant Young- 
blood, of my regiment. Colonel Simkins said to me, "Powe, 
how are you, my dear fellow.?" I replied, "Colonel, I think 
that I am dying; but tell my wife I died trying to do my 
duty." He got on his knees and putting his arm around me, 
said, "Powe, you are the hero of Battery Wagner." 

I remembered nothing more until some time after, when 
again returning to my senses I saw two forms lying beside 



OF CONFEDEEATE TiMES. 21 

me. I asked Madison who they were. He replied that the 
one lying nearest me was Colonel Simkins, and the other was 
Captain Tatom ; both were killed. When I came to conscious- 
ness again I was in Charleston. 

If you will read the account of the battle by General 
Taliaferro, you will observe that he speaks most kindly of me. 
I was promoted but was never able to join my command. 
In January of 1864, I was ordered to Columbia to undergo 
an examination by five surgeons of the Confederate Army. 
Their report was as follows: "We find Captain James H. 
Powe, of the First Regular Regiment, S. C. Infantry, suffer- 
ing from paralysis of the right side, caused by a fracture of 
skull on left side of head just back of ear, the wound being 
caused by the fragment of a bursting shell at the Battle of 
Battery Wagner, on 18th of July, 1863. We recommend 
his retirement from the Confederate Army." 



22 Reminiscences and Sketches 



Reminiscences of War Times. 



A Paper Read Before Camp Kershaw, U. C. V., May 3rd, 1895. 



Ladies and Gentlemen ; Brother Veterans, 

We have spoken of wars and rumors of war, but these 
uncanny subjects did not always occupy the attention of the 
soldier boys in gray. Happily the events around them often 
served to divert the mind, and most welcome they were, too, 
for wars and rumors of war perpetual, like work, makes Jack 
a dull boy. So I will try to give you something removed, in 
part, from tales of bayonet-thrust and sword-slashing, and 
from the mal-odor of rifle and cannon powder. 

During the latter part of I860 South Carolina was a 
seething caldron ; every one, without exception, being on the 
qui vive for the unexpected. People, in dark woods or at 
night around each comer passed, were in momentary expecta- 
tion of meeting John Brown, his lieutenants, or his ghost. 
Some most ludicrous events took place, but were far from 
being laughable to the actors at the time. 
Each night when the train came in the whole town, so to 
speak, would be at the depot, and should the engine's whistle 
be of long duration it was considered portentous of some 
unusual occurrence. 

On the night previous to the one in question, information 
had reached us that John Brown, of Kansas notoriety, had 
captured Harper's Ferry and was in possession of it. Every 
one, therefore, was most anxious for 9 p. m. to come, and with 
it the train. Misconnection, however, delayed it, so we 
returned to our homes under a high pressure of excitement 
and uncertainty. 

I was a young physician at the time, and resided at the 
hotel. About 11 p. m., when nearly every one had retired 



OF Confederate Times. ~S 

to rest, the shrill cry of a female in great fright broke the 
stillness of the night. The cry came from what is known as 
the family house of the hotel. In an incredibly short time 
hurried footsteps of men could be heard in every portion of the 
house. On one of the stairways, three young men armed cap- 
a-pie came hui-riedly down. There were young negro waiters 
at the hotel ; one of them becoming alarmed at the commotion 
went quickly into the hotel, seeking to gain his master's room, 
for refuge. The three young men meeting the negro, each 
party being under great excitement, turned and followed him 
in hot pursuit. He ran, and they ran ; at last he was caught, 
after both parties were well-nigh spent; but when caught 
nobody knew why he should be captured. So, more dead than 
alive from fright, he was brought back to the hotel, where 
quite a crowd had assembled. 

The cause of the disturbance was then ascertained. A drunken 
man in attempting to get into the hotel went by mistake to the 
family house and, finding the door locked, attempted to break 
it down, thus frightening the ladies and children. 

This shows you the excited condition of the people. Every 
one was vigilant. It was dangerous for a tramp or one of 
uncertain appearance to show himself at this time. There 
is hardly any doubt but that some who were innocent were 
either hung or severely dealt with. The impression was 
that there were emissaries of John Brown in our midst, and 
when any one was caught concerning whom this impression 
was strong, summary justice was meted out to him. 

The young people of this period were patriotic to a marked 
degree. In order to save money for uniforms and other 
necessities of war, the young ladies discarded silks and satins 
for calicoes and homespun, while the men donned jeans. In 
these costumes, with their hair dressed with open cotton bolls 
and grasses, the fair daughters of Carolina looked very 
bewitching to their gallant beaux in their dress-suits of jeans. 



24f Reminiscences and Sketches 

All the young men wore cockades. These were made from 
the palmetto leaf and woven into beautiful designs. But 
they were not the only wearers ; their sweethearts wore them 
too. And to see them one would think that all the State was 
full of sweethearts. 

I was ordered to my regiment in January of 1861, and had 
to pass through Charleston to reach Sullivan's Island. It 
seemed to me as if the people of the entire State were there, 
and each one, old and young, ladies and men, wore the hand- 
some cockades. In truth the palmetto cockade was there the 
insignia of a South Carolinian. 

I joined my command on the Island, and there, too, excite- 
ment and bustle reigned supreme, for Major Anderson, very 
much to the surprise of the Charlestonians, had left Fort 
Moultrie and secretly at night had removed his command to 
Fort Sumter. So this island, as well as James and Morris 
Islands, swarmed with Charleston soldiery who were busily 
engaged in building batteries and placing in position cannon 
and mortars. Soon other States seceded and additional 
cannon were brought from them. 

Crowds of ladies came over from the city in every steamer, 
for this point seemed a magnet of great power. Everybody 
was rich, so parties, big dinners, and suppers were of daily 
occurrence. 

Our two regular regiments, First of Artillery and Infan- 
try, and the city soldiery had dress parade every afternoon 
at sundown. Hundreds of ladies and old men attended them, 
and after the parade the pleasure of promenading with the 
lovely young dames of Charleston on the wide, firm beach still 
lingers in the memory of the veterans, though a score and a 
half of years have intervened since. 

Thousands of negroes were detailed from the plantations, 
and sand batteries, bristling with guns, reached from the 
west end at the wharf to the eastern end of the island. 



OF Confederate Times. 25 

After the capture of Fort Sumter the two regiments 
occupying the two forts and the batteries on the island would 
have interchange of entertainments. 

On one occasion the officers of my regiment were invited 
to Fort Sumter. So at 9 p. m. we went over in small row- 
boats, with numbers of ladies. We met others there, and 
after having danced to the "wee sma' hours" of the morning 
we repaired to the banquet hall, where choice viands in pro- 
fusion were enjoyed. Champagne and other fine wines flowed 
like water and, sorry I am to say, by some were used like water. 
I suppose that I returned that night, for certain I am that 
Moultrie's reveille gun awoke me next morning, though I did 
not attend the roll-call. As I was about to drop off to sleep 
again, my servant came in and said, "An officer from Fort 
Sumter desires to see you, sir." I said, "Show him in." 
Whereupon a Captain, in full uniform, walked in and took a 
seat on my bed. After talking a while, he said, "Lieutenant, 
I wish to see you on particular business." He waited until 
I was dressed, and then, with serious visage, presented me with 
a letter. Having read it, I laughingly said, "Why, Captain, 
what is the meaning of this.?" Still, with very serious coun- 
tenance, he responded, "Captain Mitchel, of Fort Sumter, 
claims that you insulted him." He then explained that on 
the previous evening Captain Mitchel was escorting a young 
lady down to the boat and that I took her away from him. I 
was utterly unconscious of having done this, and rudeness is 
by no means one of my characteristics ; but here was a chal- 
lenge in the most approved language of the code duello. 
Begging the Captain to be seated, I took pen and paper and 
wrote thus : 

"Dear Mitchel, 

"Don't blame me, old fellow, blame your own hospitality 
and good cheer." 



26 Reminiscences and Sketches 

This letter being delivered, I heard nothing more of the 
affair. Meeting Captain Mitchel two weeks later, he came 
up and shook me wannly by the hand. Thus the incident 
closed. 

The officers of my regiment, wishing to bring it up to 
twelve hundred, often selected me as a desirable recruiting 
officer. Having been several times on this errand with success, 
I one day thought to myself why not try recruiting one of 
the gentler sex. The idea was very pleasing to me, so I 
began to lay my plans to lure one of those brave patriotic 
maidens, of whom I have been speaking, whose raven locks 
shone in such vivid contrast to the white locks of the open 
cotton bolls. Kind Fortune came to my aid, and I became the 
proud possessor of one of these brave recruits. My friends, 
I have been a Captain, have even been promised the title of 
Colonel, but there is now a Captain of the Home Guard, and 
my shoulder straps have been removed. 

Although the tocsin of war had been sounded in very deed ; 
although the First Battle of Manassas had been fought; 
although the deep boom of the cannon had sounded South 
and Southwest, still at this time old Charleston was as placid 
and serene as a summer day. For a while no demonstrations 
from the blockading fleet were made; it seemed content, after 
Sumter's fall, to act as sentinel to prevent ingress to and 
egress from the city. But in this mission it fell far short 
of its aim. 

Sometimes ,the hoarse roar of mighty cannon, followed 
by the report of bursting shell, would be heard at or near 
dawn of day far out at sea. We knew what this betokened, 
and would spring to our guns. Soon could be seen in the 
distance a small object, which would soon loom up into shape — 
and following in hot pursuit those immense men-of-war. I 



OF Confederate Times. 27 

often likened the scene to the flight of a tiny rabbit from a 
pack of great hounds. 

The little blockade runner would seem almost to leap out of 
the water in her effort to escape from her infuriated pursuers, 
while overhead shells were continually bursting as if to tear 
her in pieces. But the brave little boat would come splitting 
the briny deep, throwing high in front the salty spray. 
Behind her would come the men-of-war eager in the hope of 
catching or crippling her, but as they would come in range 
of our guns a dozen or so would send shot skipping along 
the wave tops after them. At this they would slacken speed 
and turn round, for being wooden ships our guns could tear 
them to bits. At times, however, they would sight the little 
greyhound far out at sea, and she would be pretty apt to be 
caught; but when she did succeed in outdistancing her pur- 
suers, as she would run between our forts dipping most joy- 
ously the Confederate flag, the shouts and halloos from a 
thousand throats would make the welkin ring. 

The wooden ships at the beginning of the war were soon 
replaced by ironclads and monitors. Knowing that the moni- 
tors would soon attack us, and that it would be difficult to 
strike those small turrets, we gave much attention to target 
practise. 

We would construct a platform of boards and secure upon 
it a hogshead or large box ; this would be carried out between 
the forts and put adrift in the channel; as the tide floated it 
this way and that we would shoot at it. In time we became 
so expert that one would be knocked in pieces every time we 
practised, though it would not appear, from our distance, 
larger than a two-bushel basket. 

Before the continuous day and night cannonading, which 
reduced old Fort Sumter to a mass of debris, we had pleasant 



28 Reminiscences and Sketches 

times in camp. Our drillings and target practise did not 
consume all our time, so games, quartettes, choruses, and 
readings helped pass away the hours. And while things were 
quiet, hundreds remained in their summer homes on the island. 

But in '63 the time was approaching when the enemy, 
becoming enraged at our victorious resistance, inaugurated 
a different state of affairs. Gilmore's "Swamp Angel," as it 
was called, began to throw rifted shell into the city at a dis- 
tance of seven miles, while the attention that our fortifications 
received made it necessary to denude the island of all +he 
pretty houses that went to form the little city of Moultrieville. 
This had to be done on account of the danger of fire to our 
ammunition and provisions. 

It was sad now to visit the city. The lower part was 
deserted, and as one walked along through the vacant streets 
the echo of his foosteps could be heard dismally resounding; 
while ever and anon the loud report of a bursting shell would 
be the death knell of some handsome home. 

Some sad affairs took place at this time, one of which I can 
never forget. One of our young soldiers, Thompson by 
name, and as brave as any we had, took it into his head to 
desert. After a long time he was caught and brought back. 
He was placed in the guard house and kept under guard until 
a court-martial might be convened. 

Orders were read out one evening at dress parade that a 
court-martial would convene the next week. It was with 
extreme regret that I heard my name read as one to compose 
the court, for I knew that Thompson's was a serious case. At 
the end of the trial the Colonel and president of the court said, 
"Gentlemen, it is very hard to condemn a young man to death, 
but we have no other recourse, for here are the Army Regula- 
tions by which our actions are governed, and they say that is 
the course to pursue." It was with great reluctance that I 
handed in my vote, and so it was with others. 



OF Confederate Times. 29 

Very soon thereafter the Union array began to make inroads 
down the coast, near Port Royal. Seven of our companies 
were detached and sent to Edisto. We, of course, had to take 
Thompson along with us. After being there several weeks, 
the Colonel sent word by his orderly to me, as officer of the 
day, to have Thompson sent under guard to the dress parade 
at 6 o'clock. After parade, Thompson returned to the guard 
tent under escort. As he came near, with a countenance of 
deep despair, he said, "Lieutenant, I am condemned to death ; 
can't you help me?" I was overcome by my feelings, but, 
takmg his hand, I said, "Thompson, do not dspair; while 
there is life there is hope ; so keep in heart." 

I am glad to tell you that some subsequent testimony, and 
kind words from officers caused the commanding General to 
change his sentence to hard labor for a time; and he was 
finally restored to his company. 



30 Reminiscences and Sketches 



A True Story of the Experiences of a Confederate 

Officer. 



Written by Mrs. W. A. B., of Cheraw, and Read by James H. Powe Before 
Camp Kershaw, U. C. V., November 12th, 1894. 



A few years ago, a newspaper notice attracted the atten- 
tion of the writer. The paragraph read as follows : "An old 
stone house about five miles from Manassas Junction, Va., was 
torn down for the purpose of erecting a larger dwelling on 
its site. In digging the cellar deeper, three skeletons of men 
were found buried about two feet under the brick floor. 
When, how, or by whom these men were consigned to so 
mysterious a place baffles conjecture." 

Perhaps the following facts may throw some light on the 
seeming mystery. The gentleman who gave the facts shal! 
be called Colonel Allen. 

While awaiting orders for the cavalry to be called into 
service, Colonel Allen went to Virginia, in July, 1861, intend- 
ing to be on hand at the Battle of Bull Run ; but after staying 
with the infantry at Fairfax Court House for ten days, he 
was recalled to South Carolina, and left Fairfax a few days 
before the battle, which occurred on the 18th. 

He engaged a seat in a kind of drag car, owned by a 
rough-looking specimen of the Pennsylvania Dutch. This 
man made frequent journeys between Fairfax and Manassas 
Junction, and indeed in any direction where the remuneration 
was an inducement. On this occasion the price demanded was 
great for the distance to be traveled ; but as he promised to 
make the journey (a distance of twenty miles) in a half -day, 
leaving at noon and reaching the Junction in time to catch 
the 6 o'clock south-bound train. Colonel Allen did not demur 
at the price demanded. Although the horse did not carry 



OF Confederate Times. 81 

much flesh, still he seemed a strong animal and a good 
traveler. 

A few miles from camp they met several gentlemen, and 
the Colonel recognized them as newcomers from South Caro- 
lina. After conversing together for a few minutes, one of 
the party remarked, "By the way. Colonel, I almost forgot 
that I am the bearer of a package for you." Thereupon the 
gentleman took from an inner pocket a thick package, which 
Colonel Allen opened as he resumed his journey. He found 
it not only to contain several letters, but a number of bank- 
notes, amounting in all to several hundred dollars. "Fudge !" 

he exclaimed aloud, "why did bring this to me here?" 

As he said this he glanced at his companion, and found him 
actually devouring the money with his eyes, which he instantly 
dropped upon his reins at being noticed. 

When Colonel Allen finished reading his letters he observed 
that the man was driving very slowly. He said, "Friend, if 
you do not hurry up you will not fill your contract to get me 
to the Junction by 6 o'clock ; besides, you had better do your 
best traveling now, for there is a storm in the air." Even 
while he spoke a few drops of rain began to fall. 

"We will be there in plenty of time," the driver replied, 
but only made a feint of hurrying up the horse. 

For an hour or more the thunder muttered afar off, and the 
rain only fell at intervals, but about the middle of the after- 
noon the heavens seemed fairly to open and the rain poured in 
one continuous sheet. Colonel Allen, having waterproof and 
umbrella, succeeded in keeping quite dry, but the driver was 
soon drenched to the skin. 

"Suppose we stop this side of the Junction, and go on early 
in the morning," said he. 

"Is there any house where we can stop?" asked the Colonel. 

"Well, not as I know of, but we can be on the lookout for 



82 Reminiscences and Sketches 

After a silence of half an hour or more, the man remarked, 
"I see a house off the road a bit, and I'll have to stop over, as 
I'm wet to the skin," Colonel Allen looked in the direction 
indicated, but could see no house. "How far to the Junction 
do you think it is?" he asked. 

"Nigh about ten miles or so; but here's the road to the 
house, and I'm going to drive up and stop over." 

"Do you know who lives there?" asked the Colonel; "for 
perhaps they will not take us in." 

"No, I don't know who lives here, but I allow they'll takt 
us in." 

With that he turned the horse's head up the narrow, unuse<^ 
road leading up to the house, which soon came into view 
through the trees and thick shrubbery. The horse trotted up 
as if he knew the place, and appreciated the prospect of food 
and shelter. Colonel Allen remarked, "Your horse seems to 
know the place, at any rate." 

"He has never been here before, any way," the man said. 

As they approached nearer the Colonel observed the absence 
of windows in the lower story, and remarked, "That place 
looks more like a barn than a dwelling house." 

"Yes," said the driver ; "but you are looking at the cellar 
of the house, the living rooms are above." 

"Well," the Colonel laughingly responded, "it looks either 
made to keep robbers out or prisoners in, for there would be 
no getting out through the windows." 

They had now reached the house, and the horse needed no 
bidding to halt. The Colonel jumped out, and ran up the 
flight of steps, the only visible entrance. The door was 
barred, but in response to his knock a large woman of 
masculine features opened it and willingly bid him enter. 
As he went in, he noticed a rough-looking man come from 
around the house and accost the driver familiarly as though 
meeting an old acquaintance; though this did not strike him 



OF Confederate Times. 38 

until subsequent events recalled it. The woman ushered him 
into a room where a fire smouldered on the hearth, on either 
side of which were cooking utensils. Here she bade him sit 
down and dry himself. The room was not inviting in appear- 
ance, but the fire, when stirred into a blaze, was comfortable. 

After a while the driver entered through a back door, with- 
out even the ceremony of knocking. The woman spoke 
familiarly to him, and ended by saying, "You'll find your 
clothes hanging in the other room." He went into what 
appeared an inner chamber, and soon reappeared in a dry suit 
of clothes. 

Finally Colonel Allen was invited to sit down to supper, but 
it was not tempting. His coffee had such a peculiar flavor 
that he pushed his cup aside without drinking it. He was 
struck with the woman's solicitude in urging him to drink it. 
She insisted that he ought to have a hot drink to keep the cold 
out, even if he did not like it. 

After the meal was over the Colonel proposed to the driver 
to take a walk, which he seemed reluctant to do. 

When away from the house, the Colonel confronted him and 
demanded from him the reason why he had told him that he did 
not know the people, whom he evidently knew very well. "I 
don't know them well; I never have been here but once 
before, and then I left a suit a clothes to dry," he responded 
sullenly. 

As they walked on, they approached a clump of trees on 
the outskirts of the wheat field which surrounded the house. 
The Colonel, being in advance, was the first to become aware 
of voices sounding from the thicket : one, a woman's voice, as 
if in entreaty, said, "I told you before that I would never help 
you two again, and I will not." A man's voice began a reply, 
but before the oath with which he prefaced his remark was 
fairly out of his mouth. Colonel Allen's companion called, in 
a loud voice, "Come, sir, let's get back to the house." Silence 



34 Reminiscences and Sketches 

then fell and, after listening for a few minutes, Colonel Allen 
turned and retraced his steps, feeling sure that the man at his 
side had purposely given warning of his presence. All this 
time Colonel Allen had seen no other man but his driver, 
except for that fleeting glimpse on his arrival. 

When he entered the house, the woman pointed to a bottle 
with a short piece of candle stuck in it, and said, "There's 
your light, and you'll find your bed in the next room." 

He took the candle, and by its feeble light examined the 
chamber indicated. In it was a bed, a table, with a tin basin 
and bucket of water on it, and one chair. In the far comer 
was a door, which yielded to his touch, and when opened he saw 
steps descending, not into the yard as he hoped, but into the 
cellar. There was no lock either to this door or to the other 
through which he had entered. 

Against the cellar door he moved the table ; the other door 
he could see from the bed. 

When he had proceeded so far the driver came in, looked 
about, and seeing the table against the cellar door, proceeded 
to move it to one side; but Colonel Allen's peremptory com- 
mand to leave it alone, stopped him. 

When ready for bed, the Colonel told the man to get on 
the inside, at which he demurred, saying, that he would be 
the first one to stir in the morning, so he wished to be where 
he could get out readily. Again Colonel Allen's positive 
manner silenced him, and he did as he was ordered, only 
removing his coat and boots before lying down. The Colonel 
also lay down, first, however, seeing well to his pistols. One 
he put under his pillow and kept his hand on, the other he laid 
by his side. 

His companion seemed to go to sleep at once, to judge by 
his heavy breathing and restless tossing. In one of his sudden 
turns. he threw his arais almost around the Colonel, who at 
once pushed him away. Colonel Allen then feigning sleep, 



OF Confederate Times. 35 

the man began tossing and again threw his arms around the 
Colonel's body; with some difficulty he freed himself and, 
sitting up in bed, he shook the seeming sleeper repeatedly 
before he could awaken him. When he finally succeeded, the 
Colonel said, "Now, listen, for the second time tonight you 
have put your arms around me, the next time you do it I will 
put a ball through your head; I mean just what I say." 
The man muttered that he was always restless in his sleep, 
but after this he kept to his own side of the bed. 

About an hour passed, and Colonel Allen was getting 
painfully sleepy, when he was suddenly aroused to full con- 
sciousness by hearing a stealthy step approaching from the 
room beyond. The man by his side showed signs of being on 
the alert also, but before he could move Colonel Allen put his 
pistol against his temple and whispered, "Move one inch and 
you are a dead man." The click of the pistol was too sig- 
nificant of truth, and the man's form settled into the rigidity 
of death. 

The step, in the meantime, came to the door, stopped as if 
some one was listening, probably for some preconcerted 
signal, advanced one step farther, and again stopped; then 
the door was opened, and in the dim light coming in from one 
small window, the outlines of a man's figure was just discem- 
able in the doorway. With the pistol in his left hand still 
pressed against the man's temple, the Colonel cocked the other 
in his right and called out, "What do you want? Do not 
come a step nearer, for if you do I will shoot you." The 
figure neither retreated nor advanced, but stood motionless in 
the doorway. "What do you want .?" again demanded Colonel 
Allen. "Some water for the child," came in reply, in the 
same voice that had begun the reply to the girl in the thicket. 
"Well," said the Colonel, "take it and go, and don't come 
in here again tonight, for if you do there will be two corpses 
in this house before morning." 



36 Reminiscences and Sketches 

The intruder said he "didn't mean no harm," and making 
a pretence of getting the water, he went out and shut the door 
behind him. 

Then Colonel Allen said to the man at his side, "Turn your 
back to me, and if you stir unnecessarily again I'll put a 
bullet through you." Muttering that he could not help what 
he did in his sleep, the man meekly did as he was ordered. 

This adventure drove all sleep from the Colonel's eyes, so 
when the dawn began to light the close-smelling room he got 
up, resumed his coat and boots and went out into the room 
through which he had entered. Its only occupant was a girl 
of perhaps eighteen, kneading biscuits by the table. She 
looked up furtively as he came in, but her expression betrayed 
that he was not the one whom she had expected. She seemed 
at once less constrained, and looked again, after averting 
her eyes for a moment. Colonel Allen approached her, and 
said, "I am much obliged to you for refusing your assistance 
last night; perhaps if you had given it I might not be here 
to thank you." The girl turned white, then a crimson flood 
overspread her fine complexion. She was so confused that 
her shapely hands trembled as they turned in and out the 
lump of dough. 

Before he had time for more conversation, the woman who 
was visible the night before entered. She eyed them both 
suspiciously, but as Colonel Allen only seemed on his way 
out, she was reassured and began assisting with the morning 

meal. 

On his return, a half -hour later, the girl was not present — 
he and his driver and the woman making their breakfast 
together. After breakfast the journey was resumed and 
Manassas Junction soon reached, as it only proved to be five 
miles distant. 



OF Confederate Times. 37 

He went on to South Carolina, but through his influence a 
party of Confederate soldiers later visited the old stone house ; 
only to find it closed and deserted. 

Doubtless brave soldiers were trapped in this den and mur- 
dered in cold blood; and when reported missing at roll-call, 
were lamented as either captured, or shot as scouts by the 
enemy. 

In the hurry and confusion of those troublous times investi- 
gations were not easy ; and, any way : 

" 'Tis nothing — a private or two now and then 
Will not count in the news of the battle. 
Not an officer lost — only one of the men 
Moaning out all alone his death rattle." 



38 Reminiscences and Sketches 



Sketch of a Political Meeting' During' Carpet-Bag'g'er 
Rule in South Carolina. 



Captain Powe had on his estate a pleasant pine grove, which was in great 
demand as a rallying place for campaign gatherings. He was often an inter- 
ested listener at these meetings, and has left this graphic description of one. 



Prof. Theodore St. Clair Cobblestone, from Massachusetts, 
was a candidate for the State Senate, and Mr. "Cristofer" 
Hodges was "er tryin' ter git ter de Legislatur ;" so both 
candidates wished to procure the good-will of the leading 
men and women of "de Publikin" party of this section. 

Sitting on the platform were the chairman, Cuffe Prince, 
the candidates, and Rev. Abram Sparks. The place was filled 
to its utmost capacity, the majority of the audience being 
women, who were by far the most rabid politicians. 

The chairman, having called the meeting to order, said, 
"Brudder Sparks '11 now open dis meetin' wid praar; de 
reberun brudder '11 mek hit short, is we got er heap er bisnis 
ter ten ter." 

The reverend brother then made a long prayer, saying, 
among other things, "dat he hoped Brudder Willyams, who 
he seed was prisint, wud try ter 'have heself, an' not be de 
cashun ob anudder row like unter de one he rased las' Sat' da 
at Oak Grobe meetin' hus." Finally the prayer was finished. 

But no sooner had the audience regained their sitting 
posture than Mr. Williams rose indignantly, and said, "Mr. 
Churman, I rise fur de purpus ob askin' yer sar, ter gib me 
de privilige ob requestin' ob de Reberun Sparks wy he see fit 
ter take dat kinder style 'bout me. He had no rite ter call my 
name an' hole me up ter de brudders an' sisters een dat way. 
Mr. Churman, I doan lik my name ter be — " 

"Siddown, siddown, yer ole fool," came from every portion 
of the enclosure. 



OF Confederate Times. 39 

But Mr. Williams was not so easily disposed of. "Mr, 
Chunnan, I call Brudder Pope ter order ; he hab no rite what- 
somever ter order me ter siddown. Sar, dis am a free country 
an' I belongs ter de gret Publikin party, an' I want no 
deflections cas' on — " 

"Brudder Willy ams mus tek he seat an' shet he mouf," said 
the chairman, "fur dis ocashun is de wun when de big guns 
ob de party is ter talk, an' yer brudder ter hsen ter yo good." 
Mr. Williams then reluctantly sat down. 

The chairman then said, "Ladies an' Brudder Publikins, I 
now rise ter inter juce Perfesur Cubblestun ter ye notis, an' 
I trus yer '11 gib 'im er respekful heerin'." 

The professor now arose amid the plaudits of five hundred 
"cullud pussons," and in his most graceful manner came for- 
ward and made his bow. 

"Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: It is the greatest 
pleasure of me life to be present on this auspicious occasion, 
and meet my respected fellow-citizens face to face, and to 
acquaint them of me undying love for and admiration of 
them. 

"How often, me friends, in years anterior to the rebellion 
have I thought of you with tears in me eyes and longed to 
be of assistance to you. I have prayed for you, and many 
a speech have I made in that great Commonwealth of Massa- 
chusetts, me native State, urging me fellow-citizens to take 
up arms and aid you in putting down this awful rebellion, and 
more than happy am I, dear friends, this day to look upon 
you as a free and independent people. I today — " 

"Mr. Churman — " 

"Brudder Jones '11 tek he seat. Dis no way ter do when 
a gemmen hab de flo'." 

"Mr. Churman, I hear de perfesur say dat he mek speeches 
an' tell de people at de Norf ter go in de army an' put down 
de Rebelyun. I wish ter ax 'im ef he was een de war. He 



40 Reminiscences and Sketches 

ain't de fus one dat is cum down heer an' tole us dis kinder 
talk, an' I fur one doan tink he dun nuttin' dat way." 

Hon. CufFe Prince rapped until he broke his mallet, and 
cries came from all sides, "Ter pull Mr. Jones out er de 
meetin'." Mr. Jones showed fight, and was beginning his 
harangue afresh when Charly Snipe knocked him down. The 
whole audience rose to their feet, and a rousing fight ensued. 
Peace having been eventually restored, the professor was 
again called for, but was nowhere to be seen. He was finally 
discovered under the platform, whither he had betaken him- 
self at the beginning of the row. Being assured that it was 
perfectly safe, he was eventually persuaded to come out 
again. 

Then, smilingly coming toward the front, he resumed his 
interrupted speech. "Me friends, I am here today to offer 
you me services and to request your suffrages at the approach- 
ing election. I am a candidate for State Senator. I promise 
to do everything in me power for your advantage — losing 
sight of self-aggrandisement to act only for you. I will — " 

"Mr. Churman, I trus' de Brudder Profesur '11 'low me to 
ax one question. 'Ill he hep us to de forty akers an' de mule? 
Ef he say he gwine ter git us de forty akers an' de mule, we'll 
sen him ter Kerlumby." 

"Me friends, it would afford me unqualified pleasure to pro- 
cure these articles for you if it were in me power ; but, as one 
who loves you, I would advise you to give up all thought of 
these things and to go to work as honest laboring people. I 
would—" 

But his voice could not be heard. "You ole Yankee, yer 
cum heer an' tell us ter wurk ! We is ladies ; an' ef we wan 
wurk dese rebs 'ill gib us as much as we wan — you git outen 
heer ; we hab no mo' use f er yer." 

This broke up the meeting, but before the audience 
separated they appointed the following Saturday for another 



OF CONFEDEKATE TiMES. 41 

meeting ; as Mr. Cristof er Hodges had been unable that night 
to tell the party what he was to do for them. 

At the next meeting, the chairman, Mr. Hodges, and Mr. 
Sparks were those who occupied the platfonn. Prayer having 
been said, Mr. Hodges arose. He was a great dude, his long 
kinky hair, being parted in the middle, fell over each ear, 
giving him the appearance of an umbrella. He was attired 
in a swallow-tail, black trousers, and »white vest. The front 
benches were occupied by the young ladies and their mothers, 
all of whom admired Mr. Hodges immensely. 

Mr. Hodges thus began, "Mr. Churraan, Ladies an' Gem- 
men : I peers befo yer dis ebenin' f er de f us time, I come fer 
ter ax yer ter gib me yo votes, so I kin go ter Kerlumby ter 
riprisint yer een dat State Hus, dey call de Legislatur. I'll 
wurk fer le eberlastin' good ob all uns, an' I'll do my lebel 
bes' ter git dat forty akers an' de mule. I wud ax dese purty 
misses ter do all dey kin fer me, an' mek der f aders vote fer 
me, an' I — " 

"Mr. Chunnan— " 

*'Kaint yer be quiet, Mr. Snipes. Mr. Hogis has de 
tenshun ob de people now." 

But I^r. Snipes, who was also a dude, and very jealous of 
Mr. Hodges, would talk on. He said he "fer one has no fait 
een Mr. Hogis — jes look at he necktie, hit light nuff fer 
twenty men — an' he haint — " 

Mr. Hodges then broke in, "Mr. Churman, I ax yer ter git 
Mr. Snipes outen dis meetin' ; he jes cum fer ter rase a fus, 
an' I nose hit." 

"You is er lie an' I kin whoop dat cote offen yer back, yer 
black scoundle." 

By this time there was a stampede, all the sisters and many 
of the brothers running out, thinking that there would be 
a repetition of the last meeting ; but quiet was at last restored. 

The chairman then arose. "My brudders ob de party, I 



42 Reminiscences and Sketches 

rise ter 'nonce myself is yo candidate fer de State Senate. 
De Perfesur Cobblestun dun gone back ter Masserchutiss an' 
now I hope yer'll vote fer me; an' I wud say dat I tinks 
yer all too hard 'pun de rebs, dey was rite good an' let we uns 
rase hoag, cow an' chickens, sides watermilyun patch. I offen 
seed yer young raskils een my patch, an' I eben seed Brudder 
Cristofer tote out watermilyuns f run de patch." 

Mr. Hodges indignantly protested. "Dat is a lie, ladies, 
I neber did do such a ting." 

Mr. Prince retorted, "I kin pruve it, Brudder Cristofer, 
but doan git scar'd ; I aint gwine ter bring yer f o de cote." 

So Mr. Hodges was quieted. 

After much more wrangling, Chairman Prince and Mr. 
Hodges were nominated "ter go ter de State Hus at Ker- 
luraby." 

Men like these were accordingly sent to Columbia to repre- 
sent the State of South Carolina. 

The following episode, taken from life, will serve to show 
the negro dialect and his economic condition ; both of which 
are changing constantly for the better. 

Old Man Austin and Old Man Sam were inseparable 
friends, who shared alike each others joys and sorrows. 

Though Austin was short and stout, and Sam long and 
raw-boned, still Sam was satisfied to always remain in the 
rear, from which humble position he was proud to applaud 
the eloquence (which was frequently punctuated by the 
expletive "even-poshun" ) or commiserate the trials of his 
boon companion. While accepting without affectation this 
tribute to his superiority, Austin's sympathy and aid were 
always extended to Sam as a friend and equal. 

One year they came to me in great distress. 

"De craps has bin mighty short, Marse Jim, de freshit 
cum'd an' tuk ebbry ting I has planted pun de low grun. An', 



OF Confederate Times. 48 

even-poshun, dat old sow me an' Nan had bin er watchin', ter 
keep dem blasted ole wile cat frun de pigs — even-poshun, de 
f reshit now dun tek de sow an' nine head er pigs — mighty fine 
dey was, too, even-poshun. 

"An' Mr. Samsun say, now I got to pay dat leen he gin me 
pun de crap an' de sow. How can I do hit is troubblin' me — 
fer de hoags is gone, de cow is gone, de com is gone, an' de 
cotton doan wuff pickin' out." 

I said, "Old man, Mr. Sampson is a kind man, so go and 
tell him your condition. Take Sam along with you; he is 
a good talker when he wants to be, and may help you out." 

Sam, who from behind Austin, had been listening with inter- 
est and enjoyment to our conversation, now stepped forward. 
"Marse Jim, I tell yer how hit is, I wud hep my ole f ren outen 
dis ting but fer one resin. De same sto'keeper is got er leen 
on me, too, an' dat cow he took de morgige pun, hit aint in 
de copen, fer I sole her ter Mass Bill Jones ter git some 
munny ter buy Sary dem dress she warin' eben now. She 
complain how she wurk all de time an' git nuffin' fer hit. An' 
so, Marse Jim, I fared ter go ter de sto' — case I know well 
nuff I'se gwine ter be axed 'bout hit." 

Austin then said, "Sam, yer gist cum long wid me, yer 
know I can't tork an' yer kin." 

But this time Sam's fear was stronger than his friendship. 
"No, Brudder Austin, I haint er gwine; Mr. Samsun '11 sen 
fer me time nuff, den I'll be bleeged to go." They went off 
together, Sam, however, persisting in his refusal. 

Late in the afternoon Austin appeared alone, looking sad 
and downcast. "Marse Jim, even-poshun, dey is got ole 
Sam. Dat raskil, Sip, he cum frun de plantation de udder 
road an' when he see Old Man Sam, even-poshun, he tole Mr. 
Samsun, an' now Sam behin de iron bars. Me an' Nan cuder 
heped Sam ef dat raskil haddpnter made sich a fuss 'bout 
nuttin'. I'se gwine home now an' see Nan, mebby she kin 



44 Reminiscences and Sketches 

hep some, an' is we all like Sam I gwine try de naburs an' see 
ef I kin rase dat $4.80 dat cow was sole fer." 

The money was raised, and Old Man Sam liberated, though 
court costs as well as the cow money had to be paid. Old 
Austin later had his lien extended for another year. 



^ 



